A unique photographic record by Ken Jacobs

This old boot was found buried in the chimney. The practise was quite common, and was to bring luck, or ward off witches or evil spirits. You can read more about this
tradition at this website

After sending the photographs above to the experts, Ken had the following, highly informative reply:

Hi Ken,

I have received some info from June Swann now re the date of your shoe:

"Am presuming the photo is man's size. Front lace,
probably originally stitched right across at the throat (called 'closed tab'), which means it started life as Sunday best. Couldn't decide if it had had eyelets in the ?7 holes, but if so, obviously long worn
after they pulled out. Couldn't see either if it's machine-stitched. It appears to have no back seam, so a blucher boot, with what looks like double (waterproof) tongue. All this, plus toe-shape with
quite high toe-spring suggests date fairly close to 1850s - perhaps towards the end or a bit later. The leather on the outside joint is of course a repair patch, quite neatly done, and in that position inevitably
handsewn."

I hope this is of some use! Many thanks again for letting me know about thefind - it's finds like these that help push the research along.